LAVA claims the top spot among feature phone manufacturers in India

Data shows Lava and Xolo combined imported a total of 7.27 mn handsets.

LAVA International Limited has claimed the top spot among feature phone manufacturers in India and the second spot in the overall category, based on data from market research firm Cybex Exim Solutions Pvt Ltd.

LAVA International Limited quoted Cybex Exim data to show import of 5.3 million feature phones in Q2 2014 compared to 5 million by Micromax and 4.6 mn by Karbonn. The data showed that Lava International Limited (Lava & Xolo combined) imported a total of 7.27 mn handsets, 13% more than the 3rd largest player.

“Our strong investment in a single-layered distribution network of over 1,200 distributors with focus in product engineering and R&D has helped us scale such a growth,” said Hari Om Rai, Chairman & Managing Director, LAVA International, in a release.

The company said it is investing approximately Rs 500 crore in a phased manner to set up its own manufacturing unit with a monthlycapacity of 5 million units in India over the next couple of years. At present, the company carries out R&D and product engineering at Bangalore (India) and Shenzen (China).